[Translation — Traduction]
Considering that Germany has already fulfilled towards the USSR, the United States, the United Kingdom and France a considerable proportion of the financial and economic obligations incurred by it in consequence of the war,
Considering the need to alleviate the economic situation of Germany,
Considering further that the Soviet Government, in its note of 15 August, proposed to the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and France that the financial and economic obligations incurred by Germany towards the four Powers in consequence of the war should be substantially reduced and that acceptance of these proposals by the Governments of the said Western Powers would secure the implementation of these measures in respect of Germany as a whole,
Recognizing, at the same time, that irrespective of the decision taken on this question by the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and France, the implementation of these proposals in respect of the German Democratic Republic would give the German people substantial assistance not only in the economic sphere but also with regard to the establishment of the necessary conditions for the reunification of Germany as a peaceful and democratic State and for accelerating the conclusion of a Treaty of peace with Germany,
The Governments of the Soviet Union and of the German Democratic Republic have entered into negotiations and have agreed to give effect to the following arrangements:
I
The Soviet Government, by agreement with the Government of the Polish People's Republic (in respect of its share in the reparations), shall, as
- ↑ Came into force on 22 August 1953 by signature.
